Fife aims to be Climate Just, making sure all Fifers and our environment benefit from the transition to a zero carbon, resilient society.
The impacts of climate change will not be borne equally or fairly, between rich and poor, women and men, and older and younger generations. Consequently, there has been a growing focus on climate justice, which looks at the climate crisis through a human rights lens. It works on the belief that, by working together, we can create a better future for present and future generations.
Science continues to show that as the impacts of climate change accelerate, extreme weather events are taking a major toll in developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, home to some of the world’s largest youth populations. Global warming of 2 ˚C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900) would put over half of Africa’s population at risk of undernourishment. As of today, we have already reached about 1 °C. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5 °C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate.
Disadvantaged people in Fife, and around the world, tend to be the lowest contributors to climate change and the least able to be resilient to the effects, such as flooding. They also have little voice in how change happens.
Fife Council will ensure no one is left behind in the transition needed, in response to the climate emergency.
Useful links for more information on global climate justice:
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2019/05/climate-justice/